Sam Sexton was back in ‘the office’ yesterday showing off his British heavyweight belt – and preparing to plot his future.

The 33-year-old went into the lion’s den to capture the prized Lonsdale belt, beating ’The Highlander’ Gary Cornish in Edinburgh to claim the vacant title and end years frustration through injury and family heartache.

Who’s next won’t be known for a few weeks yet – Sexton was back at the Norwich Pro Boxing Gym showing off his belt to young local lads and his stable-mates as he fulfilled media obligations. The initial plan is to rest up after his gruelling 12-round title fight, but there is little doubt that the future could be very bright.

Rising star Daniel Dubois has been mentioned in despatches, although Sexton says that “may be down the line”, while Nathan Gorman is going to be knocking on the British heavyweight door. Sexton himself has mentioned the name of WBO world champion Joseph Parker.

“I am going to have a week or two off then we will back in the gym and I am sure they are going to come calling,” Sexton said.

“It it is Dubois then it is Dubois – but they are going to have to pay the money. I fancy anyone.”

Had Sexton lost to Cornish on Friday night, the future would have been very different.

“If it hadn’t gone my way, and that was in the furthest point of my mind, that would have been it for me,” he admitted.

“I would have hung my gloves up. At 33 years old I can’t come back from a loss anymore, especially with the game I want to play now.

“I don’t want to be a domestic fighter, fighting hall shows and stuff like that – I want to be on the map.”

Today, it is a case of savouring the moment – Sexton’s name is in Norwich’s sporting history books and, two decades after first walking into Graham Everett’s set-up, he becomes the city trainer’s fourth British champion, a remarkable feat for a small, local gym.

“If I do nothing again in my life, I have now been British, Commonwealth, Southern Area and Prizefighter champion,” said Sexton. “I am proud, very proud and I have done it for my family, and my team.”